Dispatch Desk

Emergency / Weather

Auckland moves to Orange alert as Cyclone Vaianu nears; residents asked to prepare now

The city’s emergency coordination centre is active, with officials urging people to secure homes, make a plan and keep across MetService warnings as high winds, heavy rain and large swells are forecast.

Source: Auckland Council
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Auckland moves to Orange alert as Cyclone Vaianu nears; residents asked to prepare now
Auckland Emergency Management / File Photo

Auckland Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre to Alert Mode Orange ahead of Cyclone Vaianu, asking residents to prepare for high winds, heavy rain and large swells.

AEM general manager Adam Maggs said teams were already in place to coordinate support and urged Aucklanders to act now on basic preparations. “This cyclone system poses a significant risk, including to the Auckland region. It is essential that we all prepare now – preparation and making a plan saves lives,” he said.

Residents are being asked to:

  • Clear gutters, drains and outdoor debris that could contribute to flooding.
  • Tie down or put away loose items such as outdoor furniture and trampolines.
  • Keep up to date with MetService watches and warnings via the app or website.

Council’s Healthy Waters team is checking flooding hot spots across the region. Fifty cameras are monitoring for stormwater blockages and sending alerts; priority sites without cameras are being checked in person.

If you or your property are in danger at any time, call 111 immediately.

AEM’s preparedness advice includes packing a grab bag with medication, warm clothes, chargers, snacks and water (including for babies and pets), and deciding in advance where you would go if you needed to leave home quickly. Expect possible power outages; keep phones and power banks charged, have a torch and spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio (car radios can be a backup).

Travel is expected to be affected. Drive to the conditions and do not enter floodwaters or cross slips. Check AT and NZTA journey planners for transport and roading updates.

The forecast includes large swells and high-energy waves. Officials say conditions are not suitable for boating or shore fishing and recommend postponing remote walks and recreational activities at parks and beaches until after the weekend.

To report tree damage on public land, use the council website’s “report a problem” tool. For stormwater issues and flooding, phone 09 301 0101.

Further preparedness advice: aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz and getready.govt.nz.

This article was originally written by AI. You can view the original source here.